Saturday 04 / October / 2025
Sri Lanka is at the cusp of a transformative journey, as it embraces the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) Project. This initiative, far from being a mere upgrade of the current National Identity Card, is a foundational step towards building a modern, digitally-empowered economy. As a cornerstone of the nation’s digital future, SLUDI is poised to revolutionize how citizens interact with government services, combat corruption, and unlock new avenues for economic growth and entrepreneurship.
The project, which is supported by Indian financial assistance, aims to replace fragmented, analog identity systems with a single, secure, and verifiable digital identifier for every citizen. Government officials have stated that the project is underway and will collect biographic and biometric information for the new ID cards. This foundational infrastructure will streamline government processes, enhance data integrity, and establish a comprehensive National Register of Persons. By providing a single source of truth, SLUDI is expected to improve the targeting of social benefits and root out malpractices like fake beneficiaries, ensuring resources are allocated to those who genuinely need them.
The economic promise of SLUDI is significant. The World Bank has underscored the need for such digital public infrastructure to drive inclusive and resilient growth as Sri Lanka emerges from its economic crisis. A unified digital identity system will serve as a launchpad for a fully digital economy, enabling seamless and secure access to a wide range of services, including healthcare, education, and finance. This is not just a theoretical benefit; it has been proven globally. In Estonia, the e-Estonia digital identity system became the backbone of its digital governance, allowing citizens to vote, pay taxes, and register businesses online, which in turn created a fertile ground for tech startups and innovation. Similarly, India’s Aadhaar system, the largest biometric ID system in the world, has played a pivotal role in promoting financial inclusion and streamlining the delivery of government benefits.
Despite the project’s immense potential, it has been met with certain fears and misinformation, particularly regarding concerns over data security and external control of citizens’ data. While these are valid concerns that deserve open dialogue, they should be viewed in the context of a globalized digital world. An official from the government’s Digital Economy Ministry has assured that the system’s infrastructure will be owned and operated by the Sri Lankan Government and that data ownership will remain with the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP). Such projects are built with robust safeguards, including system audits and third-party certifications, to ensure the authenticity and integrity of data. As a representative from a global technology company noted, governments that have successfully implemented digital IDs have done so by addressing these security concerns through high-tech protection measures.
Instead of being misled by unfounded fears, Sri Lankans should look at this project as a monumental opportunity. This new digital platform will enable a host of innovations, from new ventures in FinTech and e-commerce to citizen-centric solutions that could transform everyday life. It is an invitation to a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to leverage this digital infrastructure to create a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive society, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in the region’s digital economy. The SLUDI project is not just a technological initiative; it is a critical step towards unlocking Sri Lanka’s full potential in the 21st century.
